CAREGIVER GUIDE
Communication and Relationships A loved one’s prostate cancer diagnosis can be scary and overwhelming. You and your loved one are facing many decisions. It is important to communicate and support each other through treatment and beyond. A few reminders: Affirm your love and care for one another. Be direct, honest, and clear in your communication. Address the hard topics. Be open about fear, stress, financial concerns, intimacy, etc. Your loved one may not always want to hear what you have to say. Listening to your loved one may be the most valuable thing you can offer. Your loved one may need time to process their thoughts and fears, and may do so in their own way.
Don’t take outbursts personally. Some prostate cancer medications alter patient mood, including anger and irritability. It’s ok to step away and resume the conversation later. It is your loved one’s cancer. Some decisions must be made by them.
Caregiving for Your Partner During and after cancer treatment, you may feel more stress in your relationship than usual. Couples often feel stress about all the decisions that need to be made, possible role changes, finances, and intimacy challenges, among others. Here are some practical tips that may help strengthen your relationship: Become a team , particularly in decision making. Discuss which decisions you should make together, and which you should each make as individuals. Consider how you can best support each other. Look for opportunities to say “thanks.” You are each doing so many small (and big) things to get through every day. Look for these things and thank your partner. Showing gratitude can make you both feel better. Make time for each other . Set time aside on a regular basis to connect, whether it is scheduling dates, sharing a daily meal together, going for a walk, or watching a movie. Consider counseling . Some couples may find seeing a mental health professional such as a therapist, counselor, or psychologist, either together or individually, may help strengthen their relationship.
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